Winning the Malibu Tournament championship on Saturday was sweet for the Palisades High boys water polo team.
Beating host Malibu in the finals, however, made the accomplishment even sweeter. Palisades not only ended the Sharks’ six-year reign as tournament champions, it also avenged a 13-9 defeat at the Conejo Classic one week before. This time, the Dolphins prevailed 9-6 thanks to outstanding goaltending by Michail Melnik and a balanced attack that wore out Malibu’s defenders as the game wore on.
Zach Wunder had two goals and four steals, Sammy Speiser had two goals and three steals, Zeke Ramirez and Max Speiser each added two goals, Luis Urias scored once and Theo Trask had five steals for the City Section champion Dolphins.
The game was tied 1-1 after the first quarter before Palisades broke it open by scoring five goals in the second quarter to take a 6-2 halftime lead.
The Dolphins cruised through pool play last Thursday, beating Carpinteria 14-5 and Oxnard Pacifica 20-4, then won their semifinal game 8-5.
Last Wednesday, Palisades got a huge victory over crosstown rival Santa Monica, outscoring the Vikings 4-0 in the first quarter and winning 16-10.
The Dolphins will begin Western League action Monday at Banning.
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